US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
202
Breguet
Ref. 3610
A very complicated, charismatic and exquisitely decorated yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases, leap year indication, officier lugs and engine-turned dial
- Estimate
- CHF25,000 - 50,000€27,000 - 53,900$31,400 - 62,800
CHF53,340
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Breguet
- Year
- Circa 1992
- Reference No
- 3610
- Movement No
- 1'283
- Case No
- 1323F
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, 21 jewels
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k yellow gold Gilbert Gaschen officier pink buckle
- Dimensions
- 38mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed; buckle signed by buckle maker
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present watch is an exceptional Breguet wristwatch manufactured in the early 90’s. It bears the obscure reference 3610 and features an exquisite Lemania based movement with a perpetual calendar and chronograph complication.
Reference 3610 appears to be virtually identical to reference 3617, which itself predates the better-known Breguet Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 5617, with the present reference dating to the early 1990s. The two latter models share very similar features features, with the primary distinction being the screw-back case on the 5617. Collectors highly value the earlier 3617 model, as it was produced in fewer numbers compared to the more recent 5617, making it a sought-after piece in the watch-collecting community. That is even more true for reference 3610, whose rarity well exceeds even that of ref. 3617.
So hardly-ever seen and studied is this reference, that even its genesis is a mystery to scholars. A common theory states that reference 3610 was soon changed to ref. 3617 - leaving the watch itself unmodified - due to internal reorganization (similarly to what happened in the 1980s at Audemars Piguet with ref. 5554/25554). Other scholars point to very minute differences in the dial (the size of some fonts, minute details of the engraving) between ref. 3610 and 3617.
Whatever the raison d’être for this model, it does not change the fact that its appearance at auction happens less often than once in a blue moon, making this one of the most fascinating, rare, collectible and captivating Breguet. A true treat for the discerning collector of the hallowed brand.
Reference 3610 appears to be virtually identical to reference 3617, which itself predates the better-known Breguet Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 5617, with the present reference dating to the early 1990s. The two latter models share very similar features features, with the primary distinction being the screw-back case on the 5617. Collectors highly value the earlier 3617 model, as it was produced in fewer numbers compared to the more recent 5617, making it a sought-after piece in the watch-collecting community. That is even more true for reference 3610, whose rarity well exceeds even that of ref. 3617.
So hardly-ever seen and studied is this reference, that even its genesis is a mystery to scholars. A common theory states that reference 3610 was soon changed to ref. 3617 - leaving the watch itself unmodified - due to internal reorganization (similarly to what happened in the 1980s at Audemars Piguet with ref. 5554/25554). Other scholars point to very minute differences in the dial (the size of some fonts, minute details of the engraving) between ref. 3610 and 3617.
Whatever the raison d’être for this model, it does not change the fact that its appearance at auction happens less often than once in a blue moon, making this one of the most fascinating, rare, collectible and captivating Breguet. A true treat for the discerning collector of the hallowed brand.
Breguet
Swiss | 1775 Established in 1775 by Abraham Louis Breguet, widely considered the greatest watchmaker of all time, the storied brand continues to thrive in the modern era, creating exceptional high-end watches as the Swatch Group's premier prestige brand. Some of the most important and lasting inventions in watchmaking are attributed to Abraham Louis Breguet, including the tourbillon, shock resistance and the use of hammers and gongs employed in nearly all minute repeating watches made since.
Eighteenth and nineteenth century Breguet pocketwatches are especially sought-after by collectors, and many of them were made for the elite of European society, including Napoléon and Marie Antoinette. Key wristwatches from the twentieth century include oversized dress watches, two-register chronographs, triple calendars and Type XX aviator's chronographs made for the French military and civilians.
Browse MakerEighteenth and nineteenth century Breguet pocketwatches are especially sought-after by collectors, and many of them were made for the elite of European society, including Napoléon and Marie Antoinette. Key wristwatches from the twentieth century include oversized dress watches, two-register chronographs, triple calendars and Type XX aviator's chronographs made for the French military and civilians.